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 Introduction to Networks v7.0

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Network Representations and Topologies

1.3.1

Network Representations 

Network architects and administrators must be able to show what their networks will look like. They need to be able to easily see which components connect to other
components, where they will be located, and how they will be connected. Diagrams of networks often use symbols, like those shown in the figure, to represent the
different devices and connections that make up a network.

Desktop Computer Laptop Printer

End Devices

IP Phone Wireless Tablet TelePresence Endpoint

Wireless Router LAN Switch Router

Intermediary
Devices

Multilayer Switch Firewall Appliance

Wireless Media

Network Media LAN Media

WAN Media
A diagram provides an easy way to understand how devices connect in a large network. This type of “picture” of a network is known as a topology diagram. The ability
to recognize the logical representations of the physical networking components is critical to being able to visualize the organization and operation of a network.

In addition to these representations, specialized terminology is used to describe how each of these devices and media connect to each other:

Network Interface Card (NIC) - A NIC physically connects the end device to the network.
Physical Port - A connector or outlet on a networking device where the media connects to an end device or another networking device.
Interface - Specialized ports on a networking device that connect to individual networks. Because routers connect networks, the ports on a router are referred to as
network interfaces.

Note: The terms port and interface are often used interchangeably.

1.3.2

Topology Diagrams 

Topology diagrams are mandatory documentation for anyone working with a network. They provide a visual map of how the network is connected. There are two types
of topology diagrams: physical and logical.

Physical Topology Diagrams

Physical topology diagrams illustrate the physical location of intermediary devices and cable installation, as shown in the figure. You can see that the rooms in which
these devices are located are labeled in this physical topology.

Internet Rm: 2124

Rack 1

Shelf 1 Class 1: Rm: 2125

Server Room: Rm: 2158
Web Server
Rack 2 S3
Shelf 1

Rack 1 Rack 1 Rack 1

Shelf 2 Shelf 1 Shelf 2 Class 2: Rm: 2126

Email Server
Rack 2
Shelf 2
S1 R1 S4
Rack 1
File Server Shelf 3 Rack 1

Rack 2 Class 3: Rm: 2127

Shelf 3
Shelf 3
S2
S5

IT Office: Rm: 2159

Logical Topology Diagrams

Logical topology diagrams illustrate devices, ports, and the addressing scheme of the network, as shown in the figure. You can see which end devices are connected to
which intermediary devices and what media is being used.

Internet

Network
Network 192.168.100.0
192.168.10.0
Fa0/1

Web Server S3
G0/1
G0/0 Network 192.168.101.0
G1/0
Fa0/1
G0/1 G1/1 G0/1 Fa0/1
Email Server Fa0/2
S1 G0/1 R1 G1/2 S4
Fa0/3 G0/2
G0/1 Network 192.168.102.0
File Server
G0/1
S2 Fa0/1
Fa0/1 Fa0/2 S5

Network 192.168.11.0

The topologies shown in the physical and logical diagrams are appropriate for your level of understanding at this point in the course. Search the internet for “network
topology diagrams” to see some more complex examples. If you add the word “Cisco” to your search phrase, you will find many topologies using icons that are similar
to what you have seen in these figures.

1.3.3

Check Your Understanding - Network Representations and Topologies 

 Check your understanding of network representations and topologies by choosing the BEST answer to the following questions.
 1. Which connection physically connects the end device to the network?

Port

NIC

Interface

2. Which connections are specialized ports on a networking device that connect to individual networks?

Port

NIC

Interface

3. Which type of network topology lets you see which end devices are connected to which intermediary
devices and what media is being used?

Physical topology

Logical topology

4. Which type of network topology lets you see the actual location of intermediary devices and cable Check
installation?

Physical topology
Show Me

Logical topology
Reset

 Network Components 
1.2 1.4
Common Types of Networks